The Room Where it Happened: Medlock’s No-Win Dismissal Deal
Dr. Medlock shared in her only media interview after her dismissal with the Colorado Sun that she left the cabinet position after conflicting with the governor’s chief of staff, Alec Garnett. The former House speaker was hired in November, replacing Polis’ long-time advisor Lisa Kaufmann. Medlock revealed that her relationship with the prior Chief of Staff had been positive, but things changed in recent months. She found herself in a situation where she was asked to relinquish control of the BHA, which compromised her sense of integrity.
An anonymous source close to the Governor's office has shed light on the dismissal of Medlock, raising questions about the involvement of the Governor’s Chief of Staff, who apparently took the lead in the matter. According to reports, Garnett pressured Medlock to resign on April 17, but she refused, leading to a series of threats and false claims against her. Medlock was offered a deal, resign and agree not to sue, or be terminated and have a stain on your record. Garnett presented these options days after Medlock reported concerns about disparate treatment to the Governor and the hiring of a Black woman as BHA Chief of Staff had been blocked. Such tactics are unfortunately not uncommon in the political arena.
Despite facing mounting pressure, false narratives, and offers of incentives to comply, Medlock refused to resign, leading to her dismissal via a controversial letter signed by Barnes. It is a frequent point of discussion for the JFM network if Medlock’s termination is even valid.
While the media initially reported that Medlock resigned, the truth is that she was effectively dismissed due to her refusal to accept an unfair fate, that was rooted in racism and superiority as JFM has demonstrated. Interestingly, Barnes had already assumed the role of Interim Commissioner and rehired Gathercole before the details of Medlock's departure were finalized, leading to speculation about the timing and events surrounding her dismissal.
As Medlock stood her ground, the media started disparaging her, and former Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF) members voiced their support for Barnes to take over the position. The sequence of events and the increasing support for Barnes raise questions about the underlying motivations behind Medlock's removal. JFM is sharing and seeking the truth.
Flagging more BHTF interconnections, in Garnett’s role as House speaker, he appointed Representative Amabile to the BHTF for which Gathercole served as Facilitator and Senior Advisor and Barnes served as Chair. However, the disheartening truth unfolds as Colorado House Representative Judy Amabile was among the loudest voices publicly disparaging Medlock after her dismissal. Representative Michealson Jenet has now disparaged Dr. Medlock in the media twice, causing more harm to Dr. Medlock and her reputation with no accountability. Michaelson Jenet was also a member of the BHTF. The BHTF was also well-represented in our reporting on The Scarlet-Letter Writing Campaign. These actions exemplify a misuse of power and a failure to truly represent and protect the very community they were meant to serve.
It is alarming that every twist and turn of Medlock’s dismissal has a connection to Garnett, Barnes, Gathercole, and their BHTF. The pointed and ignorant treatment of Medlock is evident. It is high time we reflect on the stories and information shared by JFM and boldly question the integrity of those entrusted with power.
The circumstances surrounding Medlock's dismissal demand a closer look, prompting concerns about the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process within the BHA. The search for answers continues as community calls for truth.
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Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).